Myelitis << `my` uh LY tihs >> is inflammation of the spinal cord. It is often caused by a virus or other infection. Poliomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, and rabies are forms of myelitis. Symptoms of myelitis diseases often include backache and paralysis.
One form of myelitis, called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), is a rare but serious condition. It affects the area of the spinal cord called gray matter. Gray matter consists largely of nerve cells and fibers without myelin, a fatty white substance that surrounds parts of some nerve cells and assists in the transmission of nerve signals. AFM occurs most often in children. Most experience a sudden onset of arm or leg weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. In severe cases, they may need help breathing. Medical experts do not know the cause of AFM, but they suspect it may be caused by a virus. There is no cure for AFM. Doctors may prescribe a program of physical therapy to help with muscle weakness caused by AFM.
See also Multiple sclerosis; Poliomyelitis; Rabies.
